World Cup 2026: Argentina Foreign Ministry releases statement after ‘Las Malvinas’ banner sparks controversy at FIFA | Football News

After a 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, Argentina’s players displayed a “Argentinian Sons of Las Malvinas” banner during celebrations as Argentina’s foreign ministry reaffirmed the country’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.Argentina are at risk of FIFA sanctions after midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso appeared on the pitch holding a banner after a dramatic comeback victory at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, The Athletic reports. The banner, which means “Islas Malvinas is Argentinian,” was first seen among supporters in the stands. Lo Celso and defender Nicolas Otamendi lifted the ball before briefly putting it away. Lo Celso then put it on the pitch during the celebrations.

Long-running Falklands dispute

“Las Malvinas” is Argentina’s name for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory about 300 miles (480 kilometers) off the east coast of Argentina.The sovereignty dispute dates back to the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars. Britain first claimed sovereignty over the islands in 1774 and regained control in 1832.In 1982, the Argentine military government invaded the islands, triggering the Falklands War. The conflict lasted from April 2 to June 14 and ended with Argentina’s surrender. Three civilians, 255 British servicemen and 649 Argentinian soldiers died during the war.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official communiqué:

official communicationMalvinas issue: The Argentine Republic lodges a protest with the UK over the unannounced movement of HMS Medway towards the coast of mainland ArgentinaIn accordance with the instructions of Minister of Foreign Affairs Kilno, a formal note of protest was submitted to the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on July 13, expressing the strongest rejection of the actions of the Medway warship illegally stationed in the Malvinas Islands, which were not notified in time in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and declarations, and involved transit through Argentine territorial waters.This unilateral action violates the commitments made by the two governments in the Joint Declaration of September 25, 1991 (replacing its Annexes I, II, III and IV) and the Joint Declaration signed in Madrid on February 15, 1990, point “b” of section I.2 “Measures to strengthen mutual confidence” (the text is based on the Joint Declaration signed in Buenos Aires and London on July 12, 1993).The Argentine government firmly opposes the British military invasion of areas under Argentine jurisdiction, which is a continued policy of unilateral behavior that is inconsistent with United Nations resolutions and the obligations of both parties not to change the situation while the sovereignty dispute is pending.This unannounced and illegal action violates the bilateral commitments between the two countries on confidence-building measures in the military field, while exacerbating a series of unilateral actions taken by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in violation of United Nations General Assembly resolution 31/49, which urges both parties not to make decisions that would require unilateral changes in the situation in the Malvinas Islands while the sovereignty dispute remains unresolved.Rather than creating the conditions of trust and understanding required for a mature bilateral relationship, these actions have deepened tensions in the South Atlantic, ignored repeated mandates from the international community, and hindered Argentina’s efforts to promote a peaceful settlement of the dispute through negotiation.The Argentine Republic once again reaffirms its legal and unimpregnable sovereign rights over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia Islands, the South Sandwich Islands and their surrounding waters.By history, by rights and by belief, the Malvinas Islands belong to Argentina.Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FIFA rules on political banners

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA have clear regulations prohibiting the use of political flags, slogans and symbols during matches.“No political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images may be present on the device. Players may not reveal underwear with political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo. ” IFAB’s rulebook states.“For any infringement, players and/or teams will be subject to sanctions by the tournament organizers, national football associations or FIFA.”If the banner is seen as political in nature, it could also breach FIFA’s stadium code of conduct.FIFA’s list of prohibited items includes:“Any political, offensive and/or discriminatory material, including but not limited to banners, flags, leaflets, clothing and other paraphernalia, containing wording, symbols or any other attributes intended to discriminate in any form against a country, person or group on the basis of race, colour, ethnic, national or social origin, gender identity and expression, disability, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, birth, wealth or any other identity, sexual orientation or any other reason. Grounds.“